Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Whether you’re obsessed with all things pumpkin spiced or you just love playing with warm fall flavors in savory dishes, this Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe is a must-try fall dinner, perfect for welcoming in another delicious soup season! This dish not only highlights comforting ingredients but also offers a unique twist on the traditional chicken soup. The pumpkin dumplings add an exceptional lightness and flavor that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Cozy: This dish embodies the warmth of fall with its hearty ingredients.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can enjoy making this delicious meal.
• Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it satisfies any appetite.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from pumpkin and vegetables, it’s a wholesome choice.
• Unique Flavor Combination: The mix of pumpkin and spices creates a delightful taste experience.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process seamless, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Ideal for even heat distribution, ensuring that your soup simmers perfectly without burning.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining dry and wet ingredients separately to achieve the right texture in your dumplings.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your pots, plus they help scrape up flavorful bits from the bottom of the pot.

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Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 2 tablespoons Countryside Creamery Pure Irish Butter
• 2 large carrots, peeled as desired & diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons Baker’s Corner All-Purpose Flour
• 32 ounces Simply Nature Organic Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Baker’s Corner 100% Pure Pumpkin
• heaping 1/2 teaspoon Stonemill Ground Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Stonemill Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 head garlic, halved crosswise & excess paper removed
• 1 1/2 pounds Simply Nature Organic Chicken Breasts
• one 10-ounce bag frozen Simply Nature Organic Butternut Squash or Sweet Potatoes
• 1/2 cup Simply Nature Organic Whole Milk
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season*

For the Pumpkin Dumplings

• 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) cold Countryside Creamery Pure Irish Butter, grated
• 1 cup Baker’s Corner All-Purpose Flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Stonemill Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 large egg, lightly whisked
• 1/3 cup Baker’s Corner 100% Pure Pumpkin
• 1/4 cup Simply Nature Organic Whole Milk

How to Make Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the butter to a Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted:
– Add carrots, celery, and onion. Season with salt and pepper.
– Cook until softened (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Create the Soup Base

Dust flour over the veggies:
– Stir to coat; cook until browned (about 1-2 minutes).
– Slowly pour in chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pot.
– Add garlic, pumpkin purée, cumin, and pumpkin pie spice. Bring to a boil then reduce to simmer.
– Add chicken; cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Dumpling Dough

While soup simmers:
– In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice. Season with salt and pepper.
– Whisk to combine. Add grated butter; mix quickly with hands.
– In another bowl, whisk egg, pumpkin purée, and whole milk. Combine wet ingredients with dry until a thick dough forms.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove cooked chicken from pot:
– Shred using forks or a stand mixer with paddle attachment for ease.
– Return shredded chicken to pot along with butternut squash/sweet potatoes and whole milk. Stir well.

Step 5: Cook the Dumplings

Using two small spoons:
– Drop tablespoon-sized dumplings into simmering soup one by one.
– Cover pot and simmer for 8-10 minutes until dumplings are puffy.

Step 6: Final Touches

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into soup:
– Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
– Ladle into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy!

This Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe is sure to be a crowd favorite!

How to Serve Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Serving Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings can elevate your dining experience, especially during the cozy fall months. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your meal.

Classic Bread Pairing

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread adds a tasty crunch and complements the flavors.

Fresh Salad Options

• Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crispy croutons of a Caesar salad provide a satisfying contrast.

Flavorful Toppings

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for added freshness and color.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: A bit of grated cheese adds creaminess and depth to each bowl.

How to Perfect Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

To achieve the best results with your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Don’t Overmix Dough: Mix the dumpling dough just until combined for light, fluffy dumplings.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak spices according to your taste preference for a personalized touch.
• Simmer Gently: Cook dumplings on low heat to avoid toughening them while ensuring they cook through evenly.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

Pairing sides with your Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted until crispy, these sprouts add a savory touch that complements the soup.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Smooth mashed potatoes provide a comforting side that pairs beautifully with the broth.
3. Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add freshness and crunch without overpowering flavors.
4. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad brings texture and nutrition alongside your dumplings.
5. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots glazed with honey offer a delightful contrast to the savory soup.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Warm cornbread muffins bring sweetness and warmth, perfect for dipping into the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes that could affect your results.

• Not seasoning properly: Many people forget to season the soup adequately. Always taste and adjust your salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
• Overmixing the dumpling dough: Overmixing can lead to tough dumplings. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
• Ignoring the simmer time: Skipping or shortening the simmer time may result in undercooked chicken or overly dense dumplings. Follow the recommended cooking times closely.
• Using cold ingredients: Using cold butter or milk can impact the texture of your dumplings. Ensure these ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
• Not covering the pot while cooking: Leaving the pot uncovered can cause moisture loss, leading to dry dumplings. Always cover it while simmering.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power until hot, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings.

How do I make Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Shredded leftover chicken works great. Just add it when you combine it with the broth.

What variations can I try with Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings?

Feel free to add different vegetables like spinach or kale, or try using different spices for added flavor!

How do I store leftovers of Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Pumpkin Dumplings recipe is perfect for cozy fall evenings. It’s versatile enough to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices. Don’t hesitate to try it out; you’ll enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness that brings comfort on chilly days!